Mask c. 1930

This Chokwe mask, made of wood, raffia, and pigment, sits in the Minneapolis Institute of Art as a testament to the power of simplicity and process. The mask’s brown, weathered surface has a handmade quality; it is as if the mask’s journey through time has been captured on its surface. The blue markings are a great contrast to the deep, earthy browns and add an extra layer to the masks story. Focus your eyes on the blue markings beneath the eyes; they're not just decoration but hints of a deeper narrative, like tears frozen in time or perhaps a visual echo of unseen emotions. These bright blue elements draw the eye, creating focal points that guide you across the surface. They provide a necessary contrast, giving a visual depth and texture to the smooth, dark wood. You can almost see echoes of Picasso here; his interest in the raw power and simplified forms of African masks echoes through the ages, reminding us that art is an ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time.